Legal Definitions - Mugging

Definition: Mugging is when someone physically attacks a person who is walking alone on a public street at night and steals their money and belongings. This is usually considered a serious crime and can result in the mugger being charged with robbery.

• If someone is walking home from work late at night and a stranger jumps out and demands their wallet, that is a mugging.
• When a person is walking alone and someone sneaks up behind them and steals their purse or backpack, that is also a type of mugging.
• In gang culture, "mean mugging" is when a gang member stares down a rival gang member as a way to intimidate them and start a fight.

The examples illustrate how mugging is a violent crime that can happen to anyone who is walking alone at night. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of a mugging.